A Level Playing Field

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith look back on the opening months of the SWPL season, discussing the key talking points, standout performances and early-season storylines shaping the women’s game in Scotland including Rangers' title aspirations. 

The conversation also turns to the controversy surrounding the Ballon d’Or awards, plus, they discuss Caroline Weir’s influence and look ahead to Scotland’s crucial upcoming World Cup qualifier against Sweden.

From the big talking points in women’s football to the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland, Alison and Cheryl brin...

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Partick Thistle’s Cara Henderson for an honest conversation about her long journey back from injury.

Cara opens up about the physical and mental challenges of recovering from an ACL injury, the setbacks and sacrifices along the way, and what it really takes to fight your way back onto the pitch. 

We discuss the impact these injuries can have on a player, the importance of support away from football, and the people who help you through the toughest moments.

We also look...

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Celtic FC Women’s Head of Fitness and Conditioning to reflect on an extraordinary journey through football, from breaking into the Celtic first team at just 15 years old to taking on a new challenge behind the scenes at the club she knows so well.

We discuss her experiences playing abroad in Sweden, representing Scotland on the World Cup stage, and the mental and physical challenges of navigating four ACL injuries, and finding the strength to keep going when the setbacks kept coming.

She sp...

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta joins A Level Playing Field ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup first-round qualifier against Czechia to discuss the next step in Scotland’s qualification journey and the mindset driving her squad forward.

In this episode, Melissa speaks about the importance of the two-leg tie and why the support in Paisley for the second leg could be decisive. She reflects on the quality, depth, and character within the Scotland squad, highlighting the standards being set on and off the pitch as the team looks to build consistency in major tournaments.

Th...

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Scarlett Herron to talk through her journey from Ireland to full-time football with Hibernian. 

Scarlett opens up on making the move across to Edinburgh, settling into a new club and city, and what it’s really like adapting to life as a full-time player in the SWPL. 

She reflects on Hibs’ season so far, her role within the squad, and the standards required to compete at the top end of the league.

We also dive into the wider picture: representation for female a...

A Level Playing Field returns with Hearts manager Andy Thomson joining the podcast for an in-depth conversation on his first months in charge in Edinburgh.

After making the switch from Rangers this summer, Thomson reflects on stepping into the role following title-winning boss Eva Olid, and the challenge of building on that success while shaping the team in his own image.

He also takes us inside Hearts’ journey into European football, leading the side through Europa Cup qualifiers, and what that experience means for the club and the growth of the women’s game in Scot...

On this week’s episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Joelle Murray as she opens up on stepping into the Hibernian Women manager’s role following Grant Scott’s exit and what it means to lead the club she’s always called home.

From her emotional connection to Hibs, to being recognised with the prestigious One Club Award, Murray reflects on a journey that began at her dad’s side, learning the game from a player who shaped her love of football. That foundation still drives her today, both in how she sees the game and...

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Vivienne MacLaren, the chairperson of Scottish Women’s Football, for an honest and insightful conversation about the game in Scotland.

Vivienne reflects on her personal relationship with football and the journey that led her to one of the most influential roles in the women’s game. She opens up on what the position really entails behind the scenes, from leadership and governance to driving progress across all levels of the sport.

We also delve into the challenges facing the women’s game, including the on...

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Dumbarton owner Mario Lapointe to explore how his vision for the club extends far beyond the men’s game and why the women’s team is central to that future.

Lapointe discusses the motivations behind his investment in Dumbarton and how he believes the club can become a platform for growth in the women’s game. From bringing the women’s side into the main stadium for matches, to creating greater visibility and parity within the club structure, he outlines how infrastructure and intent can drive me...

Episode 2 of A Level Playing Field sees Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith sit down with former Celtic manager Fran Alonso. 

From the heartbreak of a dramatic final day in the SWPL title race to the pride and joy of watching Celtic ultimately become champions, Alonso reflects on the moments that defined his time at the club. He opens up on what it meant to fall in love with Celtic, how that connection grew during his tenure, and why the club still holds such a special place for him.

The conversation also takes us beyond Glasgow, a...

Season 2 kicks off with a special episode from inside the SWPL launch as we look ahead to a brand new campaign. 

Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith are back for a bigger and better second season of A Level Playing Field, bringing you closer to the players and the stories shaping the women's game.

We caught up with players from Hearts, Rangers, Hibs, Celtic and Glasgow City to get the inside track on how they’re feeling ahead of the season, the ambitions for their clubs, and the key storylines to watch.

From title hop...

On the final whistle of the season, A Level Playing Field signs off with a comprehensive look back at a thrilling Scottish Women’s Premier League campaign.

Cheryl Smith and Alison McConnell dive into the defining moments of the 2025/26 SWPL season. 

From the twists in the title race to the standout performers who lit up the league. 

With goals flying in across the campaign and records tumbling along the way, they reflect on what made this season one of the most competitive and compelling yet.

The duo break down the key stor...

Celtic defender Emma Lawton joins us ahead of the biggest game in the domestic calendar as the Hoops prepare to face Rangers in the Women's Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park this Sunday.

The Scotland international reflects on Celtic’s journey to the final, including a dramatic semi-final victory that booked their place on the big stage, and discusses the mindset within the squad heading into a high-stakes Old Firm showdown.

Lawton opens up on the challenge of facing a well-organised Rangers side, the importance of big-game mentality, and what it would mean to lift si...

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Melissa Andreatta joins us ahead of Scotland’s crucial double header against Israel in Hungary, with both fixtures set to be played behind closed doors.

Andreatta reflects on her latest squad selection, offering insight into key inclusions and the balance she’s building within the group. 

She also discusses the welcome return of Claire Emslie, who is back in contention just five months after the birth of her son - a significant moment both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead, Andreatta outlines her ambitions for the squad...

This week on A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Grant Scott for an in-depth conversation at a pivotal moment in the season for Celtic Women.

With the Scottish Women's Cup Final looming against fierce rivals Rangers, Grant Scott reflects on the challenge ahead and what it would mean to end the campaign with silverware after 6 months in the role. 

He also opens up on the disappointment of missing out on the league title, and how the squad has responded in the aftermath.

The conversation turns to the summer ahead - covering tra...

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Laura Montgomery, one of the most influential figures in Scottish women's football and one half of the driving force behind Glasgow City’s rise to the top of the women’s game.

Laura reflects on the journey from founding a club with limited resources to building a dominant force in domestic football, all while navigating the challenges of sustainability, visibility, and growth in the women’s game. 

We explore the realities behind running a successful club, the progress made in recent years, and where t...

A Level Playing Field returns with a special episode spotlighting the standout performers of the SWPL season.

We’re joined by a host of nominees for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards to reflect on their campaigns, key moments, and what this recognition means to them.

Hear from Player of the Year nominees Katie Wilkinson (Rangers), Georgie Timms (Hearts), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City) and Nicole Kozlova, as well as Young Player of the Year nominees Lisa Forrest (Glasgow City) and Laura Berry (Rangers).

From title ra...

Cheryl Smith and Alison McConnell are back with a fresh episode of A Level Playing Field, diving into all the big talking points in Scottish women’s football.

The duo kick things off with the international break, reflecting on a positive window for Scotland and what it means for growing belief around their World Cup qualification hopes. 

There’s also a look at the newly announced PFA SWPL Team of the Year, with discussion around the standout performers and any notable inclusions or omissions.

Attention then turns to domestic matters, including Rangers’ decision to move...

This week on A Level Playing Field we’re joined by a true trailblazer of the women’s game - Rose Reilly.

A World Cup champion, and one of Scotland’s most iconic footballing exports, Rose reflects on a remarkable career that broke boundaries across generations and continents. 

From her early days in Scotland to conquering the world stage with Italy, she shares the stories behind the headlines, the challenges, the triumphs, and the moments that defined her journey.

We dive into how the women’s game has evolved, what still needs to change, a...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Sarah Rhind to explore the powerful story behind her book Scars Under the Jersey: Addiction, Loss and the Game I Love.

Sarah speaks openly about her journey through recovery, the grip of addiction, and the lasting impact of grief after personal loss. It’s an honest and emotional conversation about rebuilding your life when everything has been stripped back and the strength it takes to keep going.

We also dive into her connection with Street Soccer, representing Scotland at the Homeless World Cup, and how the ga...

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by SWPL Managing Director Fiona McIntyre for an in-depth and honest conversation about the state of the women’s game in Scotland.

Fiona lifts the lid on what her role really involves behind the scenes, the biggest challenges she’s faced since taking charge, and the ongoing effort to grow the league’s visibility and get more fans through the turnstiles. 

We also tackle the recent headlines around a reported financial crisis in the SWPL and hear directly from Fiona on why she strongly disputes that narrative.

There’...

In this episode, we’re joined by the Head of Refereeing at the Scottish FA, Willie Collum, for an honest and insightful conversation about the future of female referees in Scotland.

Willie discusses the growing presence of women in officiating and the clear ambition to see female referees regularly taking charge of top-flight men’s matches.

He opens up on areas the game isn’t talking about enough, including how referees manage training during the menstrual cycle and the challenges of returning to elite fitness after pregnancy.

The conversation also tackles one of the bi...

On this episode, we sit down with Leanne Crichton, now manager of Rangers, for an honest conversation about leadership, loyalty, and life beyond the pitch.

Leanne opens up about the emotional decision to leave Glasgow City, the club that shaped so much of her career and the whirlwind of feelings that came with crossing the city. 

She reflects on that pivotal moment, what was said between her and Leanne Ross, and how it felt to step into a new chapter wearing different colours.

Now at the helm at Rangers, she shares what life i...

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Andreatta, the head coach of the Scotland Women’s national team, to explore her fascinating journey in football. 

From growing up in Australia and chasing her dream as a player to experiencing the heartbreak of the Matildas and navigating the highs and lows of a coaching career, Melissa shares the moments that have shaped her both on and off the pitch.

She talks candidly about what inspired her to take on the Scotland job, how she has embraced life in a new country, and the challenges and rew...

This week on A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Cara Henderson to hear her inspiring journey back from an ACL injury.

Cara opens up about the mental toll of long-term injury, navigating two managerial changes, and her thoughts on the league’s recent cash crisis. 

We also discuss her evolving pathway into media work and get her take on this weekend’s thrilling final round of fixtures before the split. 

A must-listen for anyone fascinated by resilience, women’s football, and the stories behind the game.

To get your first year...

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Celtic and Scotland midfielder Maria McAneny sits down for an in-depth conversation about her journey through the game - from academy prospect to one of the most exciting young talents in the SWPL.

Maria reflects on coming through Celtic’s academy system and what it takes to make the transition from youth football into the senior environment. 

She opens up about her pivotal loan spell at Hearts at just 17, the responsibility that came with stepping into first-team football so young, and how that experience accelerated her development bot...

A major talking point has rocked the SWPL this week, with reports of a potential financial crisis raising serious questions about the league’s future.

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Hamilton Accies manager Robert Watson joins us to give his honest reaction to the story broken by Stephen McGowan. 

From the pressures facing clubs behind the scenes to what this could mean for players, staff, and the long-term health of the women’s game in Scotland, we dig into what happens next and why this moment matters.

This is a candi...

In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Davidson for a brilliant chat covering the biggest moments of her career so far — and what’s still to come.

Lauren takes us back to that unforgettable 92nd-minute goal at Ibrox on the final day, the strike that helped Glasgow City clinch the league title, and why it’s a moment that still follows her everywhere… even on holiday. 

We also dive into her move to SK Brann, life in Norway, and how she’s adapting to a new league, new culture, and a fresh challenge abroad.

Plus, La...

Filmed on location at the Hibernian Training Centre, this episode of A Level Playing Field features Hibs ace Rachael Boyle as our special guest.

Rachael reflects on the shock of Grant Scott leaving Hibs for Celtic during the winter break, and she looks back on last season’s memorable title celebrations at Ibrox. 

She also discusses the appointment of Joelle Murray as manager and what the change has meant for the squad.

The conversation goes beyond the pitch too, as Rachael opens up about balancing part-time work alongside playing, wishing her own career was...

Episode 5 of the A Level Playing Field Podcast features a special conversation with journalism legend Hugh McDonald, who joins Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith to reflect on a lifetime spent covering football — and the long, often difficult journey of the women’s game.

Drawing on his experiences during a period when women’s football was officially banned, Hugh offers rare insight into what it meant to report on the sport at a time when it was largely ignored, dismissed, or actively discouraged. He speaks candidly about how women’s football was talked about in newsrooms, the language that was...

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith discuss an interview with Scotland and Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir. 

Caroline takes us inside her unforgettable Ballon d’Or experience, sharing what it was really like to be nominated among the world’s best and the surreal feeling of returning home to Dunfermline, where seeing her mural made her feel like a 15-year-old kid again.

She also looks ahead to Scotland’s upcoming men’s clash with Brazil in Miami, explaining why she’s making the trip and what it means to see Scot...

In this episode, Cheryl and Alison sit down with Partick Thistle boss Gary Holt for an honest, energetic and wide-ranging conversation. 

From leadership and expectations to the realities of managing in the modern game, Holt brings sharp insight and straight-talking perspective to the table.

They dive into:
⚽ His vision for Partick Thistle
🧠 Mindset to build a winning culture
📈 The pressures, challenges and opportunities facing managers today
💬 Candid reflections from his career

Whether you’re a Thistle fan, a student of the game, or just love hearing from football’s most compelling...

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we dive into a huge week across the women’s game in Scotland. We start at the Scottish Women’s Football Awards, where Hibs’ deserved double triumph took centre stage, and an unforgettable night of stories, celebration, and emotion unfolded.

We discuss why Hamilton Accies manager Robert Watson looks like the perfect fit for the club, and reflect on Caroline Weir’s effortless brilliance—a true Rolls-Royce of a player whose influence continues to shape the national team conversation.

There’s also plenty of laughter as Rose Reilly’s hil...

In our debut episode, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith look back to another huge week across the women’s game. 

We break down all the big talking points from the SWPL, including why Celtic still can’t get past Rangers, the shock Celtic exits that caught everyone off guard, and whether Glasgow City’s bump in the road is a momentary wobble or something more.

We also look ahead to Scotland’s World Cup hopes — what needs to click, who needs to step up, and how the squad is shaping up for the challenge ahead.

A...